Hi all,

This is a potentially "explosive" topic and I really apologise in advance. What I really want to discuss today is about the opinions my friends have on my new tarot reading hobby.

Apparently, they are against it because they feel that the cards have sort of "controlled" my life. I have tried explaining to them about this, that the cards only give some guidelines as to where to go. The analogy I like to use is about the road with a hole. If there is a road with a hole and the tarot tells me not to go there, then I won't, and it's for the better. But with no guidance at all, I might have fallen into it.

This is the main idea among my circle of friends, thus causing me to have less "subjects" for practice as most of my friends do not wish me to read the cards for them. I find it really unfortunate that perhaps they are more grounded towards "logical" part of thinking without any thought for the spiritual/paranormal part of life.

Any thoughts about this issue?

It seems to me like your friends just don't understand how it works, and they're making assumptions based on their preconceptions regarding Tarot. Tarot's depiction has always been portrayed as a fortune-telling device in movies and television, which is just a caricature of what its real purpose is -- wisdom. But if that's all your friends have to make their judgments, then it's no wonder. So your friends are pretty blameless for their assumptions that Tarot consumes your choices in that sense -- they've been mislead from the start so they don't know how to be receptive.

Plus - I have a feeling that their nagging at you for your choices regarding Tarot really come from a place of concern (for you) and discomfort (for them).

Don't feel too bad your friends don't want readings -- I generally only do my own readings too. It's hard to read for friends. I don't have any friends who are really receptive to this either, not the way I am, and I've been reading for ten years. So don't feel bad =) You're alone, but you're not, know what I mean?

I think the reason my friends aren't open to it is the same as your situation -- just a lack of reception to the cards themselves, and their overall use, their purpose as a tool for wisdom. People confuse that with the ability to read the future -- people expect concrete answers when they are unaware of how this is intended to work. Like you said, it's meant to serve as a guideline.

Plus, I really think a person can't be receptive to it until they've really dived into Tarot on their own terms.

However, let it be known that the cards don't make the choices for you. You know that. If your friends are really being jerks about telling you what to do when it comes to Tarot, don't take it personally. You have no need to defend yourself -- from what I can see you know what you're doing and you have no ill intent. Quite the opposite, as you clearly want to use Tarot to help everyone out in clearing their paths. That's ideal, and you don't need to defend that. It stands on its own.

It would be nice to believe that we can get our friends to accept this the way we do -- but I know how long it took me to get where I am, and it wasn't forced. No one truly embraces anything when they're forced to do so.

So just hold out -- maybe keep your Tarot private and allow your friends to bring it up -- and don't stop reading. You know what you're doing

Take care

Hi Guys,

You know, all your allegories and what not, is a mere shot in the dark!

People are against Tarot for a number of reasons, principally, being a religious stance or attitude. Furthermore, people have a preconceived idea of the "Gypsy" link.

Thus, inevitably we are "socialised" as being SCARY, MYSTIC AND WIERD!!! Of wich many of us are!! But, thank God, we are normal people save for the "spooky one's".

The most important fact to remeber is that we do divination, and as such, is a bunch of wierdo's, no matter what you think, considered by anyone!

When reading cards for a Qeurant, have a look see at how they shake. People ae scared to see the future. They are scared of Tarot readers.

Please? reading for yourself for ten years is not much of an accomplishment, but a great way of practising your skills. Now, you should try to move on and read the cards for others no matter how bad it may be!

In this sense, expect people to be biased, as they have no practicall knowledge of the cards as we have.
So, critisicm, you will always have, that's the way it will be.

Blessed be.

"Please? reading for yourself for ten years is not much of an accomplishment"

Was that comment really necessary?

Nothing like knocking somebody down before building them back up, am I right?

You could've answered these questions without using your answers as a slight to me. But if that's what it takes to make you feel safe in your approach...

Hi otato,

I think my comment is totally appropriate! There's no such thing as trying to break you down. In fact, if you continue only reading for yourself, you will never reach that which you may want to acheive reading Tarot. Tarot is such a vast field of information. You as a "reader" can gain a lot more self-confidence, knowledge have a majestic spiritual benefit as well.

If you think I was a bit rude, so be it. Sometimes it's needed to get someone going on enjoying greater things in life! By not being rude, but plainly giving them a kick on the behind!

Hugz.
PW